Valor

My friend, former coworker, and confidante Debra Dickey wrote today’s blog post. I never stop learning from this woman. Thank you, Debra.

In my experience, valor is a prevailing and significant part of kindness, faceted, inextricably entwined. Kindness, by definition, is a perfectly generated act; designed especially and wholly specific to its purpose and direction; genuinely presented, without distinction, qualification or condition, expecting nothing in return. Valor described as an act of bravery, never counting the cost, steeped in gallantry, graciousness, conviction, heart and spirit, is kindness with a noble twist. Therefore, by interpretation, kindness and valor incorporate the self-same characteristics within their disposition. Benevolence etched in valor. Parallel objectives; peerless outcomes.

Renowned acts of kindness in their character and dispensation continue to deserve distinguishing mention in the journals of my life. Inscribed with valor, often jagged and irregular in my plebeian existence, friendly kindnesses have always been around me, typically crafted in the form of benign pleasantries and considerations. Yet in shining moments, there have been more imbued magnanimities. Only a matter of degree?

Maybe. Perhaps solely the ‘knight in shining armor’ psychology? Who’s to say! But I do know that once in a while, there have been notable and remarkable, made-to-order, selfless acts of kindness extended to me unsuspecting, some requiring momentous valor, others only requiring love, but all totally unexpected, indubitably unsolicited, yet perfectly tailored to fit, and indescribable in what they meant to me, because . . . . they were meant for me.

Easily recalled: once, a concerned stranger with particular insight; again, more than once, a relative with a huge heart; many times, family generosity; friends, too, with no agenda other than my well-being; and most recently, my children, giving from their hearts, from their own resources, gifts designed for no one but me. Each a pure act of kindness, but none which could happen without their own special brand of valor when choosing to listen with their hearts and act.

Nothing touches me more profoundly than genuine kindness, authentically offered, with no strings attached. Masterpieces in eloquence! Uncommon gems of great value – beautiful, melodious symphonies upon the heart-strings. Not accustomed to such grand gestures, I’m always moved to tears, rendered speechless, and have no words worthy of adequate response to these magnanimous altruisms. Gifts of supreme kindness with actions in valor . . . ‘their price far above rubies’.

Most people do not consider their kind actions meritorious, but I most assuredly do! Valiant, unhesitating, chivalrous, bounteous, without equal – timely gifts perfectly given – nobility at its finest. I am humbled and grateful to be included in this honorable gift exchange program directed by the Almighty! Considering how very little I have to offer in return, it always feels like winning the lottery!

How did they know? How do I express their incomparable value and great importance? How can I explain their incredible significance for me? How will I ever manage to repay them all?? God chooses a few folks and endows them with uniquely wonderful talents as cannot be described, His Wonders to perform. These truly are my ‘knights in shining armor’. I am so grateful for each and every one.